Funeral home owner criticizes Dollar General upkeep; code enforcement outlines steps

A New Haven funeral home owner used the public comment period to sharply criticize conditions around a nearby Dollar General, saying the store’s exterior maintenance has created odor, litter and rodent problems that affect his business.

"I'm lividly pissed," Alan Joe told the council, describing repeated cleanup work by his staff and saying the store’s exterior—dumpsters, scattered product and stacked cardboard—creates a health and reputational concern for his funeral home. Joe said he has lodged numerous complaints and believes past responses have been inadequate.

The code enforcement officer responded with a history of enforcement efforts. The officer said staff typically issue warnings and work with property owners to develop compliance plans before issuing citations; when violations persist, the village has escalated cases to district and circuit court, where circuit court can impose equitable remedies. The officer acknowledged limitations in third‑party responsibilities (noting building ownership and outside property can complicate enforcement) and said new management at the store had reduced visible cart clutter in recent days.

Council asked staff to document prior contacts, citations and notices and to explore next steps, including further citations or court action if the owner does not comply. No formal enforcement action was recorded at the meeting; the council directed follow‑up by code enforcement and legal staff.

What happens next: code enforcement will compile its records, consider issuing citations where appropriate and, if compliance is not achieved, pursue legal remedies including court action.